Electoral systems in context: United Kingdom

Lundberg, T. C. (2018) Electoral systems in context: United Kingdom. In: Herron, E. S., Pekkanen, R. and Shugart, M. S. (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Electoral Systems. Series: Oxford handbooks. Oxford University Press: New York, NY, pp. 627-650. ISBN 9780190258658 (doi: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190258658.013.40)

[img]
Preview
Text
121461.pdf - Accepted Version

344kB

Abstract

The United Kingdom (UK) is well known for the single-member plurality (SMP) or, more colloquially, the first-past-the-post, electoral system. Devolution of power in the late twentieth century, however, introduced new bodies and positions with new electoral systems, with the total reaching six. These consisted of three majoritarian systems – SMP, block vote, and supplementary vote – as well as three proportional systems – single transferable vote, mixed-member proportional representation, and regional list proportional representation. Sample election results are presented and examined. Despite the presence of several different electoral systems and party systems in the UK with the development of multilevel governance, SMP appears to be entrenched at Westminster, just as SMP systems abroad have, in most cases, also resisted change.

Item Type:Book Sections
Keywords:Block vote, mixed-member proportional, proportional representation, single-member plurality, single transferable vote, supplementary vote, United Kingdom.
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Lundberg, Dr Thomas
Authors: Lundberg, T. C.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
Publisher:Oxford University Press
ISBN:9780190258658
Published Online:01 July 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Oxford University Press
First Published:First published in The Oxford Handbook of Electoral Systems
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record